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Note to students sitting NAPLAN

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Next week you will sit the NAPLAN test along with every other student in Australia who is in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9. Before you take this test I wanted to remind you of something very important. NAPLAN does not assess all the wonderful things that God designed and used to make each of you uniquely YOU. The people who mark the NAPLAN test do not know that some of you love to sing, or that others are exceptional at drawing or have amazing IT skills. They don’t know that some of you excel at athletics or swimming or that others are skilled at playing different sports like hockey, soccer, basketball or netball. They have not heard you speak in public with confidence and clarity or heard the skillful way you play a musical instrument. They don’t see the way you help your parents with chores around the house and spend time with your little brother or sister. They don’t know that you are kind and considerate of others or that you are a good friend or that you come to school with a positive atti...
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Always on Edge

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  Mrs. Natalie Bell Anxiety is exhibited in a variety of ways as the body’s response to stress. People experience anxiety at different levels, ranging from mild uneasiness, at a level that improves alertness and performance, to a full-blown panic attack. Transient fears and anxieties are a typical part of child and adolescent development. In some respects, it would be unusual to not experience some anxiety, such as, a potentially high-risk situation, or before an exam. Anxiety becomes a disorder when it interferes with day-to-day functioning and reduces a person’s capacity to engage competently in everyday tasks. In 2022, a survey into the mental health and wellbeing of Australian adolescents found anxiety disorders to be one of the most prevalent forms of mental health problems. We all worry or feel scared at times, but some teens may worry so much that they avoid participating in activities, being with others, or going places. Anxiety can take different forms, and some teens can ...
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Celebrating World Teachers' Day: Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures

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Celebrating World Teachers' Day:  Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures Every year, the world comes together to celebrate World Teachers' Day, a day dedicated to honoring the incredible contributions of teachers to education and society. Teachers are the unsung heroes, the guiding lights who shape young minds, instill knowledge, and inspire dreams. In every student's life, there's that one special teacher who stands out, someone whose influence goes far beyond the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on the heart and mind. For me, that teacher was Mr. Mathewson, my grade 4 teacher, whose impact on my life was truly transformative. Mr. Mathewson wasn't just a teacher but a mentor, friend, and beacon of wisdom. In his classroom, I learned more than just long division, prefixes and the mountain ranges of Queensland. He ignited my passion for learning and, in a way, paved the path for my love of travel. His walls were adorned with inspirational quotes, but one in particular ...
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Friendship Day

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Friendship is a beautiful thread that weaves through the fabric of human existence, enriching our lives with love, support, and understanding. On Friendship Day, a special occasion dedicated to celebrating these cherished bonds, we take a moment to reflect on the significance of friendship and the remarkable friendships that have graced the pages of history and literature. From ancient tales to modern anecdotes, the essence of true friendship remains timeless. The Essence of Friendship Friendship is an invaluable gift that transcends age, gender, culture, and distance. It is a bond that is forged through shared experiences, trust, and mutual respect. True friends stand by each other through thick and thin, offering a shoulder to lean on during tough times and being there to share in moments of joy and triumph. The value of friendship lies not in the number of friends we have, but in the quality of those relationships, for a true friend can transform our lives in profound ways. David an...
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World Environment Day

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  World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, serves as a global reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. As we reflect on the significance of this day, it is essential to consider the role of humanity as stewards of God's creation. In the book of Genesis, we find the account of God's creation of the universe, including the Earth and all living creatures. In Genesis 1:26-28, we read,  “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing tha...
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King Charles III - Defender of the Faith

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 King Charles III - Defender of the Faith History of the Monarchy Christianity has long been part of British history and of the monarchy, the accession and upcoming coronation of King Charles III are tied to deep traditions many of which are drawn from Christian faith. Traditionally Alfred the Great from the 9 th  century is considered the first English King, though there is no official record of any coronation. King Edgar's coronation in 973 occurred in a Benedictine abbey, being anointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, setting a precedent that every British monarch followed. In 1066 William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day in Westminster Abbey, a site with a link to Edward the Confessor. Apart from Henry III, all subsequent coronations occurred there. Coronation and symbolism  The coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953 was marked by its public exposure via television, an approach the late Duke of Edinburgh was responsible for, though the moment of anoi...
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Harmony Day . . . Everyone Belongs

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  Harmony Day is a special day in Australia, celebrated annually on 21st March, to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. This day is celebrated across the country and is an opportunity for Australians to reflect on and embrace the rich multicultural heritage of their society. Harmony Day has its roots in the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is observed globally on 21st March each year. The Australian Government adopted the concept of Harmony Day in 1999, as a way to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of the people who make up the country. The theme for Harmony Day 2023 is “Everyone Belongs” which aims to promote social cohesion, respect, and a sense of belonging for all. Harmony Day promotes the idea that everyone is equal, and every individual has the right to feel respected, valued, and included in their community. It encourages Australians to embrace multiculturalism and to take pride in the cultural diversit...
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